Procurement Specialist

Student & Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Within the Division of Student and Campus Life (SCL), the SCL-OVP financial and operational support team ensures the effective deployment of Information Technology, Facilities, Accounting, Data-Driven-Decision Capabilities, Risk Management, Management/Financial Reporting, Data and Business Analytics, and Financial Planning support services to departments within the division. Working collaboratively as integrated cross-functional partners, leaders from the SCL-OVP support team strive to enhance day-to-day operational effectiveness, deliver timely business reporting and information to stakeholders, manage key divisional processes and steward financial and capital resources on behalf of the SCL-VP.     This position serves as the primary point of contact for procurement questions from all SCL units (excluding Dining), as well as supports the procurement function for SCL Student Organizations and Affiliates. The Student Org & Affiliates group includes Cooperative Living Units, Greek Housing, Religious Affiliates, Student Organizations and funding boards with average annual spending of $22M.  Responsibilities of the Purchasing Assistant include but not limited to: analyze purchase requisitions for policy adherence and initiate orders in KFS; determine appropriate actions required to issue purchase orders which may include review for: proper signature authority, purchase against existing contracts; verifying terms, documentation for sole-source orders, adequate insurance coverage, independent contractor compliance, review of supplier terms and conditions, and obtaining required approvals; initiate requisitions for customer areas; utilize SCL procurement card for student organization purchases identified in Campus Groups system - in addition, the Purchasing Assistant will also pay for one-time purchases and recurring charges with P-Card; support special initiatives of the Director of SCL Strategic Procurement and Inventory Management; act as backup support for the Purchasing Assistant for Dining.

This position is primarily remote but requires occasional travel to Cornell Campus.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Success Factor Strives to develop and maintain valuable and productive relationships and always provides exceptional customer service. Using effective written, oral, and verbal communication skills to ensure positive daily interactions with all levels of university personnel, vendors, students, and alumni. Being an effective member of a larger team, promoting cooperation and a welcoming environment for all to work together to solve problems and achieve common goals. Able to adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands while maintaining superb organizational tactics and a calm demeanor.

Required Qualifications Associate’s degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination Experience in processing financial transactions relating to accounts payable, cash handling and general ledger.  Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office software tools.  Possess well-developed oral and written communication skills and be customer service oriented.  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure in an environment where change in processes and procedures is the norm.  Successful completion of the University Supply Management Certificate program in the first year of employment and every 3 years thereafter. Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Preferred Qualifications Associate’s degree in Business field with 3-5 years experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.   Experience and knowledge in university financial account structure, transaction systems and reporting tools.   Experience in Student Services areas such as athletics, dining, housing, health services and student organizations.   ​     University Job Title: Purchasing Assistant     Job Family: Administration     Level: D     Pay Rate Type: Hourly     Pay Range: $26.00 - $30.05     Remote Option Availability: Remote     Company: Endowed     Contact Name: Caleb Yu     Contact Email: ry274@cornell.edu    

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2026-07-15